Published: 12:06 AM, 13 April 2026
Millions of children are still deprived of their basic rights
Child labour refers to work that deprives children of their childhood, potential, and dignity, and is harmful to their physical and mental development. It affects approximately 138 million to 160 million children worldwide, often causing them to miss education and work in hazardous conditions. It is often caused by poverty, lack of educational opportunities, and crises.
Economic hardship exacts a toll on millions of families worldwide – and in some places, it comes at the price of a child’s protection. It happens mostly in under developed countries.
Roughly 138 million children were subjected to child labour in 2024. Over one third of them are in hazardous work that directly endangers their health and development.
Children may be driven into work for various reasons. Child labour occurs when families face financial challenges or uncertainty – whether due to poverty, sudden illness of a caregiver, or job loss of a primary wage earner.
The consequences are staggering. Child labour can result in extreme bodily and mental harm, and even death. It can lead to slavery and sexual or economic exploitation. And in nearly every case, it cuts children off from schooling and health care, restricting their fundamental rights.
Migrant and refugee children – many of whom have been uprooted by conflict, disaster or poverty – also risk being forced into work and even trafficked, especially if they are migrating alone or taking irregular routes with their families.
Trafficked children are often subjected to violence, abuse and other human rights violations. For girls, the threat of sexual exploitation looms large, while boys may be exploited by armed groups.
Nearly 138 million children were engaged in child labour in 2024, including around 54 million in hazardous work likely to jeopardize their health, safety, or development, according to new estimates released today by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and UNICEF. The latest data show a total reduction of over 20 million children since 2020, reversing an alarming spike between 2016 and 2020. Despite this positive trend, the world has missed its target of eliminating child labour by 2025.
The report, titled “Child Labour: Global estimates 2024, trends and the road forward", underscores a stark reality that while gains have been made, millions of children are still being denied their right to learn, play, and simply be children.
“The findings of our report offer hope and show that progress is possible. Children belong in school, not in labour. Parents must themselves be supported and have access to decent work so that they can afford to ensure that their children are in classrooms and not selling things in markets or in family farms to help support their family.
